Temporary extension of stop and search powers granted to police in Crewe

Officers in Crewe have been given more powers to stop and search anyone they suspect of carrying a weapon.

It follows concerns raised by the community in the wake of a small number of knife-related incidents and serious assaults in the Nantwich Road area of the town. The powers have been granted temporarily under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).

The powers will be in place from 7pm on Friday 7 June to 4am on Saturday 8 June and then subsequently from 7pm on Saturday 8 June to 4am on Sunday 9 June . They allow officers to stop and search any person or vehicle looking for weapons, whether or not they have any grounds of suspicion.

Officers from Crewe Local Policing Unit, supported by specialist task force officers and the special Constabulary, will be in the Nantwich Road area using those powers to deter people from carrying weapons and to identify those carrying them.

British Transport Police will also be supporting the operation as the powers granted extend to the railway station.

Chief Inspector of Crewe Local Policing Unit Simon Newell said: “Knife crime is a not just an issue local to Crewe but a national issue which is very topical at the moment.

“Please be reassured that the police are taking these incidents very seriously and these extended powers of search demonstrate that we are being proactive in our response to detect and deter people from carrying weapons. Only last month, a male received a nine year custodial sentence for stabbing incident on Nantwich Road, so the consequences of carrying and using a knife are very severe.

“I would encourage the public to contact the police via 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 with any information about anyone carrying a weapon so that we can take positive action to target that individual.”

In addition PCSOs will also be engaging with residents and businesses to highlight what the Constabulary is doing to tackle knife crime in their area.